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Post by annaintx on Apr 24, 2019 0:30:04 GMT
SO MANY STAMP SETS it's ridiculous. I don't know that I've seen this many be retired at one time, and I've been "doing" SU for like 10 plus years now.
Does anyone have any news? I know about the Sizzix debacle and that they won't carry those products anymore (will carry their own, though) but wondered about the stamps.
TIA!
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kate
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,493
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
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Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Apr 24, 2019 0:32:51 GMT
Wow, sounds like I need to look at the retiring list! My demo emailed it to me, but I haven't dived in yet.
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Post by annaintx on Apr 24, 2019 0:52:31 GMT
Wow, sounds like I need to look at the retiring list! My demo emailed it to me, but I haven't dived in yet. I'm up to page 57 of the catalog, and so far, only one set is staying as far as I can tell.
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Post by infochick on Apr 24, 2019 1:13:49 GMT
Oh wow! I’ll have to look. I don’t know anything about why, but it makes me VERY excited to see the new catalogue!
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Apr 24, 2019 1:18:30 GMT
They are discontinuing all the wood mount stamps because they are discontinuing the wood mounts entirely.
Some of the ones that also come in cling rubber are showing up as being discontinued because they are on the old cling that didn't stick well. Many of these sets are apparently coming back, but with the new stickier cling. I will see if I can find the list.
ETA: (Sorry for the formatting, I'm just copying and pasting.)
STAMP SETS THAT ARE CARRYING OVER INTO THE NEW CATALOG IN CLING: Pop of Petals, Label Me Pretty, Special Celebrations, IttyBittyGreetings, Botanical Bliss, This Little Piggy, Flourishing Phrases, Stitched All Around, Hold on to Hope Heartland, Peaceful Place, Barn Door, Accented Blooms Birthday Backgrounds, Perennial Birthday, Dashing Deer Winter Woods, Kindness & Compassion, Dandelion Wishes Healing Hugs, Sorry for Everything, Love You to Pieces Tropical Chic, Bee Thankful, Animal Outing, Little Elephant Beautiful You, Painted Glass, Little Twinkle, Beautiful Day Magical Mermaid, First Frost, Rooted in Nature, Country Road Lilypad Lake, Sea of Textures, Artisan Textures, Gallery Grunge Bokeh Dots, Crafting Forever
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Post by scrapaddict702 on Apr 24, 2019 1:43:22 GMT
If you look up any demonstrator's FB page they will likely have a list of the stamp sets that are carrying over with the new cling and new name. The only wood mounted stamp sets you'll still be able to buy will be background stamps. What they need to do is sell sheets of the new sticky backing so people can improve the stick on sets they already own...ignoring this issue is much like Cricut forgetting about the products they made before the latest and greatest release (i.e. not offering any support by basically pretending like it never existed).
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Post by Embri on Apr 24, 2019 1:55:07 GMT
What they need to do is sell sheets of the new sticky backing so people can improve the stick on sets they already own.. What, and not have to shell out for a completely new set? But think of the demonstrator's commissions! *clutches non-existent pearls* /s, just in case it wasn't blatantly obvious. I don't much like SU!, because MLM. But their product is at least half-decent quality. Still overpriced.
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Apr 24, 2019 2:13:00 GMT
Yeah I'm a demonstrator and haven't even peeked at the new catalogue I'm kind of done with SU. It's like they think demonstrators have limitless budgets. The discontinuing of the trimmer, designing their own die cutter, getting rid of a bunch of colors last year and redesigning the cases too.
They have some good products but I'd rather spend my money on other stuff!
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Post by scrapaddict702 on Apr 24, 2019 2:53:43 GMT
What they need to do is sell sheets of the new sticky backing so people can improve the stick on sets they already own.. What, and not have to shell out for a completely new set? But think of the demonstrator's commissions! *clutches non-existent pearls* /s, just in case it wasn't blatantly obvious. I don't much like SU!, because MLM. But their product is at least half-decent quality. Still overpriced. I love their inks...it is just about the only thing I buy from them although I do have several stamp and die sets in my cart from the Chinese place, lol. My jaw dropped when I saw they were raising prices again with the new catalog. I'm relieved that the inks aren't included in the price increase affecting almost everything else. I usually only buy when I can get a deep discount (like the $175 for $99 they did during SAB) and much of that was inks and refills. The exception for that will be the 3 (possibly 4) new in colors they are releasing soon because they'll be new and their inks are my favorites. The number one benefit to them is that with the exception of the pinks and reds, their inks don't stain my clear stamps the way other dye inks do. I've found that re-inked pads do stain, but I collect the refills for 'someday' without having ever had that day show up for any save for black and grey when they had formulation issues a few years ago.
The MLM thing is off putting for me as well, but the sticker shock I get looking at their catalog is enough to keep me from getting sucked in too much. If I'm not buying inks or getting a good sign up promotion, I generally stick to the clearance rack and resale. My biggest gripe right now is not knowing I could sign up again without a 90 day wait until after I couldn't get the Painted Seasons stamp set in my sign up order because I really want that set...I'm stalking eBay for a non outrageous priced set...currently only found 1 and I wasn't sure I really had to have the paper until someone else nabbed it up.
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Post by scrapaddict702 on Apr 24, 2019 3:51:23 GMT
Yeah I'm a demonstrator and haven't even peeked at the new catalogue I'm kind of done with SU. It's like they think demonstrators have limitless budgets. The discontinuing of the trimmer, designing their own die cutter, getting rid of a bunch of colors last year and redesigning the cases too. They have some good products but I'd rather spend my money on other stuff! I'm on the fence about this. Change comes with business and given the changes with Sizzix and American Crafts buying out EK Success, they had two major suppliers put them in a position to change a lot in a short time span. My biggest issue with them is that smaller businesses without the budget to replace things with the latest and greatest shouldn't be put in the position to replace things they may have just purchased or simply cannot afford to replace with little to no notice. Their communication timelines are way too short and from all purchasing standpoints (a buyer or a demonstrator) they leave a lot to be desired. It comes off as dishonest and untrustworthy with how they push product only to announce its departure knowing full well that they were going to get rid of it while they were pushing the product. It would go a long way, I think, for them to announce what is going out the door (other than the usual products like stamps and such that are changed out annually that goes on the retiring list every April) and offering even a 25% discount on those items ahead of their retirement, even if that is for 4 or 5 months. That way, if someone buys a shit ton of ink pads a month before they completely change them (even if they've been the same case for 15 years prior) they're doing so knowing that a change is coming rather than being blindsided after dropping a significant amount of money on product that is going to be old before they even break it all in. That builds more for them in trust and appreciation (and therefore more loyal customers) from the people buying the products than 'oh by the way, that stuff you just spent a ton of money on won't be here in a couple of weeks' profits them by waiting so long.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,090
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
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Post by scrapnnana on Apr 24, 2019 10:14:08 GMT
They are discontinuing all the wood mount stamps because they are discontinuing the wood mounts entirely. Some of the ones that also come in cling rubber are showing up as being discontinued because they are on the old cling that didn't stick well. Considering how many people own a stamp platform, and the fact that SU! now has their own version, I am not surprised they are eliminating the wood mounted stamps. The rare times that I buy wood mounted stamps these days (whatever the brand), I always convert them to cling stamps. I've been a stamper 10 years longer than I've been a scrapbooker. The wood mounted stamps just take up too much space, and the cling stamps are easier to use, especially with a stamp platform. I haven't bought much from SU! for the past several years, although I used to buy a ton of stamps from them. I have started buying SU stamps again. I noticed that some of their cling stamps weren't sticking well. I'm glad they're doing something about that. I can understand the complaints that the demonstrators have regarding retired products that need to be replaced with the new versions. It would be super frustrating to have to limit classes/demos solely to the current available products and tools. In my early stamping years, there weren't many SU! reps. I had a great one. She did classes and events, such as a card class. I had fun, bought stamps I might not have otherwise, and I took the cards home with me, where I could make more cards like the ones we did in the class. I don't go to SU! classes/parties or whatever they call them anymore, but it's not from lack of interest. I moved two and a half years ago to a new state, so I looked up SU! reps in my new area. I looked at their calendars. Not one of them seem to actually schedule anything for potential or regular customers to attend, like a card making class once a month, or anything else. I emailed one of them to ask about ordering. She told me how to order through her site, and I did. I just recently placed my second order with her. I've never met her or spoken with her. She has never suggested that I host a home party or attend any event, so now I look at the catalog once or twice a year and just buy what I want. I see samples and ideas on Pinterest that get me to buy the products, but I miss the social aspect of the classes. My SU! and CTMH reps of long ago became my friends. Now I don't even know what my SU! rep looks like. The only reason I know my CTMH rep is because she was already a friend before she became a rep. As far as I know, she doesn't seem to do parties or classes, either. She's just trying to get her stamps, etc., at a discount, and meet her quota by inviting her friends to order from time to time. Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, etc., seem to be the new marketing venue. It's less preparation and hassle for the rep, and the rep doesn't necessarily have to buy anything new to demonstrate. At least that is the way it appears to me, but maybe it's just my area where this is happening. Do most SU! reps in your area still do parties/shows? Do most have monthly class events for customers? Because I'm sure not seeing it where I am.
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Post by myboysnme on Apr 24, 2019 10:52:35 GMT
I don't like that they are d/c the trimmer because parts are hard to get. I like that trimmer and getting blades has been a bitch but still.
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Post by kiwikate on Apr 24, 2019 11:17:53 GMT
They are discontinuing all the wood mount stamps because they are discontinuing the wood mounts entirely. Some of the ones that also come in cling rubber are showing up as being discontinued because they are on the old cling that didn't stick well. Considering how many people own a stamp platform, and the fact that SU! now has their own version, I am not surprised they are eliminating the wood mounted stamps. The rare times that I buy wood mounted stamps these days (whatever the brand), I always convert them to cling stamps. I've been a stamper 10 years longer than I've been a scrapbooker. The wood mounted stamps just take up too much space, and the cling stamps are easier to use, especially with a stamp platform. I haven't bought much from SU! for the past several years, although I used to buy a ton of stamps from them. I have started buying SU stamps again. I noticed that some of their cling stamps weren't sticking well. I'm glad they're doing something about that. I can understand the complaints that the demonstrators have regarding retired products that need to be replaced with the new versions. It would be super frustrating to have to limit classes/demos solely to the current available products and tools. In my early stamping years, there weren't many SU! reps. I had a great one. She did classes and events, such as a card class. I had fun, bought stamps I might not have otherwise, and I took the cards home with me, where I could make more cards like the ones we did in the class. I don't go to SU! classes/parties or whatever they call them anymore, but it's not from lack of interest. I moved two and a half years ago to a new state, so I looked up SU! reps in my new area. I looked at their calendars. Not one of them seem to actually schedule anything for potential or regular customers to attend, like a card making class once a month, or anything else. I emailed one of them to ask about ordering. She told me how to order through her site, and I did. I just recently placed my second order with her. I've never met her or spoken with her. She has never suggested that I host a home party or attend any event, so now I look at the catalog once or twice a year and just buy what I want. I see samples and ideas on Pinterest that get me to buy the products, but I miss the social aspect of the classes. My SU! and CTMH reps of long ago became my friends. Now I don't even know what my SU! rep looks like. The only reason I know my CTMH rep is because she was already a friend before she became a rep. As far as I know, she doesn't seem to do parties or classes, either. She's just trying to get her stamps, etc., at a discount, and meet her quota by inviting her friends to order from time to time. Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, etc., seem to be the new marketing venue. It's less preparation and hassle for the rep, and the rep doesn't necessarily have to buy anything new to demonstrate. At least that is the way it appears to me, but maybe it's just my area where this is happening. Do most SU! reps in your area still do parties/shows? Do most have monthly class events for customers? Because I'm sure not seeing it where I am. I am in New Zealand, but for sure my SU rep runs classes and events all the time. There are at least three classes per month i can go to in my local area, plus they do big events two or three times a year, and she runs things from her home studio as well, which is a little further away for me. She also will take suggestions of new classes etc and is currently setting up a scrapbooking group rather than our usual card making, which is a new addition to the calendar. To be honest, without going to the classes and playing with the product I would be unlikely to buy much SU at all. Even at the classes I seldom order, preferring to spend my time thinking about it and ordering online from home. There is never any pressure in class to place an order. A nice touch is that she also sends out a thank you card who you place an online order! I guess i am really lucky, but I can't imagine the demonstrators getting much business without the personal touch either.
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Post by annaintx on Apr 24, 2019 13:00:24 GMT
I used to go to card classes once a month with my demo (who has long long since stopped selling SU) and am just now getting to the bottom of my card stash. I really miss the card classes, I loved learning new techniques and making 5-10 cards to take home and copy or alter or whatever.
It will be interesting to see what new stamps they come up with this next season.
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Post by needtime2scrap on Apr 24, 2019 13:22:42 GMT
I used to be a SU! Rep and while I would host card classes/PL classes(back when they sold project life) I would do a ton of work and then have a bunch of ladies cancel on me. I got tired of my time being wasted, the fact that they kept increasing the prices, their shipping rates were high and it took a long time to get my stuff. I liked the product, with the exception of the red inks that barely had a shelf life, but the prices were too high. Especially here in Canada. It's funny because they would hype up their in colors and really they would just be a shade variation of an older color. Plus demos didn't get much for a discount compared to other mlm companies.
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Apr 24, 2019 14:24:01 GMT
I used to be a SU! Rep and while I would host card classes/PL classes(back when they sold project life) I would do a ton of work and then have a bunch of ladies cancel on me. I got tired of my time being wasted, the fact that they kept increasing the prices, their shipping rates were high and it took a long time to get my stuff. I liked the product, with the exception of the red inks that barely had a shelf life, but the prices were too high. Especially here in Canada. It's funny because they would hype up their in colors and really they would just be a shade variation of an older color. Plus demos didn't get much for a discount compared to other mlm companies. Yes! I think it's a big reason why many demonstrators don't have classes or card making events it's so much dang work. I did one and people just don't commit and lots won't commit if it include a financial commitment ahead of time. Also I think because SU sucks at keeping new product in stock or selling out a week or 2 into a new launch I'm not willing and neither are other demonstrators willing to risk planning a event around a suite of products and then finding out your customers can't buy it!
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,090
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
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Post by scrapnnana on Apr 24, 2019 22:44:20 GMT
I used to be a SU! Rep and while I would host card classes/PL classes(back when they sold project life) I would do a ton of work and then have a bunch of ladies cancel on me. I got tired of my time being wasted, the fact that they kept increasing the prices, their shipping rates were high and it took a long time to get my stuff. I liked the product, with the exception of the red inks that barely had a shelf life, but the prices were too high. Especially here in Canada. It's funny because they would hype up their in colors and really they would just be a shade variation of an older color. Plus demos didn't get much for a discount compared to other mlm companies. Yes! I think it's a big reason why many demonstrators don't have classes or card making events it's so much dang work. I did one and people just don't commit and lots won't commit if it include a financial commitment ahead of time. Also I think because SU sucks at keeping new product in stock or selling out a week or 2 into a new launch I'm not willing and neither are other demonstrators willing to risk planning a event around a suite of products and then finding out your customers can't buy it! Thank you for explaining. That does make sense. I guess that is why so many seem to market through Pinterest, Facebook, etc. I really missed the fun of getting together with others, and so did some of my friends, so in January I started doing card making classes in my home with a few friends once a month. Yes, it is a lot of work, but I enjoy the social aspect, and so do those who come. I don't charge for it, because I have a stupid big stash that I will never use up in the remainder of my lifetime, and most of the supplies I use for the projects are cheap, bought on sale or at Tuesday Morning. They use my stamps, dies, and tools. They don't have to buy anything. Usually 3 or 4 out of the group of 5 do come. While some of my prep time is putting together the card kits, a lot of it is just designing the cards, figuring out what I can do with my supplies and tools that is too cute to resist, but doesn't cost me more than $1/person. I don't have to limit myself to any manufacturer. Trying to make money at it would take at least some of the fun out of it, and my friends would probably beg off. Most of them can't really afford much in supplies and tools. They could probably afford and be willing to pay me the cost of the materials, and some have offered, but one is a recent widow on a tight budget, and the others all have financial challenges, too. I'm just happy using a bit of my stash and my tools, and the cost isn't a big deal for me. I'm just in it for the social aspect and creative fun. Company reps don't have that luxury. At least now I have a better understanding why the reps in my area don't do classes, and I don't want to have a "party" because that sometimes changes the attitudes of friends. I will go to other people's parties, because I know how to say, "No," if I need to, but I don't want to host one. Thanks and good luck to all of you who sell for SU!
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Post by Embri on Apr 24, 2019 23:01:54 GMT
Trying to make money at it would take at least some of the fun out of it, and my friends would probably beg off. Most of them can't really afford much in supplies and tools. For those who feel they may be taking advantage, you could always suggest they bring snacks to share! Everyone likes a nice cookie or veggie with dip, a cuppa tea and some good company.
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Post by hop2 on Apr 25, 2019 12:55:08 GMT
Trying to make money at it would take at least some of the fun out of it, and my friends would probably beg off. Most of them can't really afford much in supplies and tools. For those who feel they may be taking advantage, you could always suggest they bring snacks to share! Everyone likes a nice cookie or veggie with dip, a cuppa tea and some good company. Yes my card club ( that I do pay for because it is at a store ) includes a light meal or snack. So contributing a quick inexpensive snack would be fun.
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pancakes
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,992
Feb 4, 2015 6:49:53 GMT
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Post by pancakes on May 2, 2019 2:58:16 GMT
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
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Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
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Post by scrapnnana on May 2, 2019 3:32:30 GMT
It's still related. And based on the content of the article you linked, it would appear that Sizzix is trying to claim patent and control over ALL thin dies with an opening, not just those with the blade on the outer edge. If so, they appear to be trying to grab complete control of the thin die market, destroying ALL their competition. I have been rather vocal on the Sizzix lawsuit thread on the Stamping/Card making board. I will spare y'all any more of my rantings here. As someone else already suggested, Stampin' Up's severing ties with Sizzix may have been part of the reason Sizzix is acting so nasty and desperate. And it will affect Stampin' Up one way or another.
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Post by hop2 on May 2, 2019 14:37:48 GMT
It's still related. And based on the content of the article you linked, it would appear that Sizzix is trying to claim patent and control over ALL thin dies with an opening, not just those with the blade on the outer edge. If so, they appear to be trying to grab complete control of the thin die market, destroying ALL their competition. I have been rather vocal on the Sizzix lawsuit thread on the Stamping/Card making board. I will spare y'all any more of my rantings here. As someone else already suggested, Stampin' Up's severing ties with Sizzix may have been part of the reason Sizzix is acting so nasty and desperate. And it will affect Stampin' Up one way or another. [ That so freaking bizzare since they were so late to the thin die party themselves. Many of these companies have been making thin dies while sizzix were still making sizzlets. I actually like sizzlets. But I can’t see how they have a leg to stand on.
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